MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and five provincial governments are pushing for a law that will make the Verde Island Passage (VIP) a protected area. DENR Secretary Antonia Loyzaga said that while the VIP is currently classified as a marine protected area, governors from surrounding provinces want it to be protected and covered by legislation. 'This highest level of protection for what is touted as the center of the world's marine biodiversity will keep VIP as a sanctuary to thousands of marine species and off limits to business activities that will threaten its pristine ecosystem,' Loyzaga said in a statement.

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